Thread: Strop cleaning tip

My Neil Miller Cordovan strop was at a stage where hand rubbing was no longer enough to clean and it was showing signs of a build up in places, So, having seen a video where Maestro Livi recommends lighter fluid as a cleaning agent I looked around to see what might be available - it's been many years since I smoked and even longer since I had a refillable lighter.

I keep brake disc cleaner available for when I'm polishing blades and I've just tried this on a piece of tissue paper - a squirt of fluid and then wipe the strop three or four times in the same direction. The effect was amazing in terms of the dirt that came away - and because this stuff evaporates quickly the strop was dry again within a few seconds. This time when I hand rubbed the difference was really noticeable. Something to bear in mind.

i would be worried that the harsh chemicals in the brake cleaner might harm the leather. interesting though if it does work well and does not harm the leather.

Do you think it could effect the draw? I daresay as it evaporates so quickly it doesn't have time to penetrate the leather.

PS your brave to test it out on a Neil miller Cordovan

Thank you for the information, but I'll pass.

Something designed for leather would be my only choice for my Neil Miller strop, like Lexol leather cleaner. It's been around many, many years. I use brake cleaner to rinse out my firearms & I agree with the gentlemen above...too harsh for a strop that can never be replaced as my old friend Neil is no longer with us.

Rubbing alcohol used with a cloth, in small amounts, will remove dirt & some stains. It also dries quickly.
A simple damp cloth used periodically throughout the strop's life, helps to prevent a lot.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Rubbing alcohol used with a cloth, in small amounts, will remove dirt & some stains. It also dries quickly.
A simple damp cloth used periodically throughout the strop's life, helps to prevent a lot.

Hi John - I'd tried an ordinary cloth but it was not removing the in-ground stuff. Also, I was working on the principle that the brake cleaner evaporates so quickly that it would not have a chance to penetrate cordovan.

Originally Posted by UKRob

Hi John - I'd tried an ordinary cloth but it was not removing the in-ground stuff. Also, I was working on the principle that the brake cleaner evaporates so quickly that it would not have a chance to penetrate cordovan.

This process of yours, that you got from Maestro Livi, may be O.K.

It's just that the idea of "brake cleaner" on a Neil Miller gave me the same reaction as when I first got tased.

I'm no leather expert, but lighter fluid just sounds too harsh for me!

Neil Miller used to recommend a barely damp cloth, and that's good enough for me!

Originally Posted by Druid

I'm no leather expert, but lighter fluid just sounds too harsh for me!

Neil Miller used to recommend a barely damp cloth, and that's good enough for me!

IIRC that is what Naomi-san (Kanayama) recommends as well. My solution would be to try lighter fluid/brake cleaner on an old vintage strop that I don't really care about. I have all three of those things. Even better, a scrap piece of top grain horse hide (untreated) I've got that as well.